Maple Leafs' presence confirmed at Blackhawks-Devils game

As the team deals with several injured players and questions about their goaltending stability, the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking at potential solutions to their early-season struggles.

According to NHL Insider David Pagnotta, Toronto has one of their assistant general managers in attendance for the Chicago Blackhawks and New Jersey Devils game Wednesday night, joining several other scouts and team representatives:

The Maple Leafs join Edmonton, Anaheim, Seattle, Florida, Detroit, Nashville, Washington, Los Angeles, St. Louis, and the New York Islanders.

There's no direct indication of who the team would be targeting, or which player they believe gives them the best chance at turning the season around.

Players who naturally fall under the spotlight tonight include:

- Tyler Bertuzzi (LW, 14 points, 9 goals)
- Andre Burakovsky (LW, 14 points, 7 goals)
- Connor Murphy (D, 3 Points, 15 blocks)

New Jersey themselves are dealing with several injuries to key players so it's undetermined if they would be open to a deal however if Toronto were to pursue anyone from the Devils, Dougie Hamilton fits as an offensive-minded defenseman.

Toronto's list of unavailable players adds context to the timing of tonight's scouting presence:

- Auston Matthews
- Chris Tanev
- Anthony Stolarz
- Scott Laughton
- Joseph Woll (personal leave)
- Marshall Rifai (LTIR - Surgery)

These situations naturally raise questions about whether roster adjustments may become necessary, whether it be replacing one of their injured players, or finding a conclusion to the David Kampf situation -- the team could stand to be a bit more proactive.

Nothing concrete has surfaced yet, but Toronto's presence indicates they are monitoring opportunities as they arise.